Phil Housley, left, congratulates Mike Modano for breaking Housley's record as the U.S.-born player with the most NHL points in 2007.

Written by

Josh Cooper
| The Tennessean

The Predators hope one of the best American-born defensemen in NHL history can help develop some of their younger blueliners.

Phil Housley was hired as an assistant coach on Tuesday to replace former associate coach Peter Horachek, who was fired Monday. Housley was most recently an assistant coach for Team USA at the World Championships, and Predators general manager David Poile was an advisor to the squad.

"Phil brings a unique skill-set to our coaching staff," Poile said in a statement released by the Predators. "He was one of the most talented offensive defensemen to play in the NHL, and he ...